Detroit River Inter National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve located in the state of Ohio, covering over 6,000 acres of land.


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Summary

The refuge is a popular attraction, drawing visitors from all over the country to explore its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem.

One reason to visit the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is to experience the stunning array of wildlife that call the area home. Visitors can see a variety of birds, including hawks, eagles, and herons, as well as a range of mammals, such as deer, raccoons, and beavers. The area is also home to a number of fish species, including salmon, trout, and bass, making it a popular destination for anglers.

One of the most popular points of interest at the refuge is the Humbug Marsh area, which is home to a diverse array of plants and wildlife. Visitors can take a hike along the marsh trails to explore the area's unique ecosystem, or take a guided bird-watching tour to see some of the many bird species that call the marsh home.

Another interesting feature of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is the presence of historical sites and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore the ruins of an old sugar mill, or learn about the area's Native American heritage at the nearby Stony Creek Metropark.

The best time of year to visit the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge depends on what activities you are interested in. Spring and summer are popular times to visit for fishing and bird-watching, while autumn offers stunning views of the changing leaves and is a great time to hike the trails. Winter visitors can participate in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Overall, the refuge is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the natural beauty of Ohio.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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